2026 ACM Awards Nominations: A Look at the Exciting Lineup of Talent
The 2026 ACM Awards nominations have been announced, and this year's list is filled with exciting and diverse talent. Leading the pack with nine nominations is Megan Moroney, who is making waves with her album "Cloud 9." Ella Langley follows closely with seven nominations, including her hit song "Choosin' Texas." Zach Top, fresh off his success at the CMA Awards and Grammys, has received five nominations, including his first for Male Artist of the Year.
The Entertainer of the Year category features a mix of familiar names like Luke Combs and Chris Stapleton, alongside rising stars like Megan Moroney and Lainey Wilson. Independent and alt. country fans will be pleased to see first-time nominations for artists like 49 Winchester, Stephen Wilson Jr., and Carter Faith.
Predictions for the awards show are heating up, with Male Artist of the Year shaping up to be a close race between Stapleton and Top. In the Female Artist of the Year category, Ella Langley's chart-topping success with "Choosin' Texas" makes her a strong contender. Group of the Year is a competitive category, with 49 Winchester and The Red Clay Strays vying for the top spot.
Duo of the Year may not have as much excitement, but Muscadine Bloodline stands out as a standout choice. The Song of the Year category is expected to be a battle between Langley's "Choosin' Texas" and Top's "I Never Lie." New Artist categories feature a mix of established and up-and-coming talent, with Hudson Westbrook and Avery Anna predicted to take home the awards.
Visual Media and Musical Event of the Year categories offer a diverse selection of nominees, with Megan Moroney and Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert, and Lainey Wilson expected to shine. Songwriter of the Year will likely be a close race, with Blake Pendergrass and Jessie Jo Dillon standing out. The Artist-Songwriter category highlights artists who write their own songs, with Riley Green and Ella Langley leading the pack.